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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill allowing Idaho schools to keep emergency medication on hand for life-threatening allergic reactions has won the support of the House education committee.
Under the bill sponsored by Twin Falls Republican Sen. Lee Heider, schools can voluntarily keep epinephrine auto-injectors without prescriptions in case a student experiences an anaphylactic allergic reaction. The bill also says people can't be held liable for using the emergency medication if they believe a child needs it.
Heider told members of the House Education Committee Thursday that it takes an average of just six minutes for an anaphylactic allergic reaction to cause potentially fatal heart or breathing problems. He said not all ambulances carry epinephrine, and having the medication at schools can potentially save lives.
The bill now goes to the full House.
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